Tween Girls’ Spring Fashion

Did you save all those old school '80s blazers, complete with neon prints and shoulder pads? Because they're in again. "The '80s are back, including puffy shoulders, leather bomber jackets and Miami Vice-style blazers," says retail expert Hitha Prabhakar, author of Black Market Billions. "Animal prints, peplum style blouses, military styles, studded and rocker-themed outerwear, and graphic print leggings and pants." Yes, you may think you're having a bad flashback—but your kid will love it.

To buy: 1. Lace Peplum Short Sleeve, $10. 2. SO Floral Leggings, $10. 3. Leopard Lace Pullover, $13. 4. Military Jacket, $80. 5. Studded High Tops, $25.

An easy trend for tweens this season is "burglar stripes." "It looks really cool on kids—and it can be a pattern, or just pairing black pants with a white shirt," says IHeartDaily.com founder Melissa C. Walker. She suggests playing with this season's graphic print trend in black and white to keep it wearable in the long run. And a little bit can go a long way. "It doesn't have to be an old patterned dress," she says. "A backpack or an animal-print flat is a nice touch. Those are wearable in multiple situations."

To buy: 1. Cherokee Solid Tee, $6. 2. Stripe Cap Sleeve, $22. 3. Aztec Graphic Backpack, $30. 4. Roxy Macaroon Slippers, $40. 5. Kimchi Blue Oxfords, $39. 6. Zipper Pockets Pencil Pant, $34.

Always a staple, stripes are going bright this season with pops of color—and when in doubt, go bold. "Bright stripes are really, really big this spring," says Walker. "They're sort of always around, but now it's that French girl-inspired Jean Cheever striped Ts. If your kid's a bit less bold, opt for an easily hidden layering piece or even fun stripe-y socks.

To buy: 1. Henley Dress, $20. 2. Textured Stripe Sweater, $40. 3. Patterned Knee-High Socks, $5.

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No, we're not talking gym socks and sweatpants. This season's take on sporty has a much more feminine edge. "We're talking tennis-inspired dresses," says Walker_._ "It's like the shorts and T-shirt combo, except it's an easy-to-wear dress. Those are great, especially for active kids who run around a lot—and for tween girls who are sportier but still want to look like girls. It's a nice transition."

To buy: 1. Pique Polo Dress, $12. 2. Drop-Waist Pocket Tee Dress, $14.

Thankfully, flats are still on-point this season. But if your kid needs a new shoe fix, the wedge is the new thing for spring. Go for a great pair of chunky platforms or a cool pair of wedge sneakers," says Prabhakar. Wedge sneakers? Yup, adds Walker, "They're really a thing." But, "the biggest thing is neon wedge sneakers." For some of the more "out there" fashion fads, which may only last one season, Walker suggests going with a cheaper option from a store like Target or Forever 21. "Those products are made to only be worn for a season."

To buy: 1. Neon Strap Wedge Sandal, $23. 2. High Tide Low Wedges, $33. 3. Quid Patrol-02 Wedge Sneaker, $40. 4. Ankle Strap Wedges, $27. 5. Hidden Wedge Sneakers, $38.

Classics and staples are worth spending on. "I will always splurge on a well-made jacket and a pair of stylish shoes," says celebrity trend expert Rachel Florio. "Your child can be in designer jeans or a pair of sweatpants and still look stylish if she has on hip outerwear." And know what to cheap out on. "Anything that you know is going to be a quick trend should be shopped for online at flash sale sites, or from a brand that quickly makes knockoffs. If it's a lime green T-shirt with a fun graphic, I'd rather pay less, considering the number of wears it will get."

To buy: 1. Cole Haan Kids Air Nancy, $68. 2. Tamarack Jacket, $70. 3. Jeggings, $60.

They're still kids, after all. "So skip anything that's ridiculously overpriced just because it's a hot trend, as well as anything uncomfortable," says Florio. "There is no point in purchasing items that won't get worn." And Walker reminds parents that tweens are still growing—and fast—so it's not worth overspending if something might not fit tomorrow. "I never really recommend a splurge for a child who's still growing," she says. "Size up a bit or go for something classic that won't be done next season—like black and white." And it's easy to find the latest runway-inspired looks on-budget at places like H&M, Forever 21 and Wet Seal, Walker notes, as well as in Target's and Kohl's special lines.

To buy: 1. Top, $15. 2. Pants, $20. 3. Shirt Dress, $25. 4. Boots, $30.

One place Walker would put some money is into classic accessories that'll carry from season to season—and won't be outgrown. This season's must-have? "Sunglasses! The big, bold ones. They're always around," Walker says, "but they're a statement piece this season. So splurging on one really good quality pair that your daughter feels Hollywood-esque in is a good bet." But don't limit it to one. "They're really accessories," adds Walker, "so you can splurge on one expensive pair and like five really cheap-o pairs and mix it up. It's a really fun place to play."

To buy: 1. Xhiliration Aviator, $13. 2. F0050 Square, $6. 3. Arnette Fire Drill, $70. 4. RB2140 Original Wayfarer, $150. 5. F0032 Square, $6. 6. Xhiliration Gradient, $13. 7. Mossimo Gradient, $17.

Some of the runway trends your teen may pick up can be a bit racy for the high school set. And they're only becoming more accessible. "The best way to address it is to compromise," says Prabkahar. "Revealing too much in class or while hanging out with friends is inappropriate for anyone under the age of 18, but if she wants to wear a cut-out shirt, she can layer it with an undershirt or long-sleeve shirt and still be on-trend without looking absurd." And leather? "A tight leather dress is totally inappropriate for school, but if it's leather she wants," Prabhakar suggests, "try an A-line leather skirt, or a pair of faux leather leggings."

To buy: 1. Full Tilt Hachi Knit Top, $14. 2. Sparkle Cami, $13. 3. Braided T, $30. 4. Faux Leather Slim Jeans, $35. 5. Faux Leather Skirt, $40.

Incorporating the edgy is one thing. Age-inappropriate is something else altogether. "I suggest preteens pass on the tacky walking billboards like wearing the word 'Pink' across their rear," says Florio. "I would rather see them in a cute pair of boyfriend jeans with a punch of color, like a hot pink top and a fun headband adorned with sequins. Allowing a 12-year-old to walk around town in real leather or a peekaboo cutout sends the wrong message. They will have plenty of time to get into wearing that stuff."

To buy: 1. Girl Graphic Tee, $10. dENiZEN from Levi's Jeans, $20. 3. Reflect Your Personality Headband, $5.

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Remember, not everything in your kid's closet has to be brand-new. Some old standbys—like well-worn jeans, lived-in T-shirts and other classic pieces—can be dressed up with a trend or two to make them feel fresh again. And some of last season's styles live on, as well. "The colored denim, chunky bracelets, floral dresses and neon flats or sneakers are still very much on trend," says Prabhakar. "Gossip-Girl inspired headbands and empire-waist dresses are all trends girls can continue to rock."

To buy: 1. Black Ruffle Floral Belted Dress, $45. 2. Dimpled Button Bracelet, $11. 3. Lacquered Bangle Set, $8. 4. Faux Croco Hinge Bracelet, $9. 5. Carrie Skimmer, $20.

A less expensive way to update? "Fresh accessories!" says Florio. "Stock up on bangles, headbands, scarves—your teen can wear the same pair of jeans with a white T-shirt and get multiple looks simply by changing out a fashionable scarf or adding a Peter Pan collar necklace to the look. It's timeless, chic and cool." Florio also says that accessories are an easy way to incorporate some of this season's bolder trends—a printed headband, a dash of neon, or a graphic-print backpack can complement a look without overwhelming.

To buy: 1. Rhinestoned Rosette Headband, $5. 2. Tube Scarf, $7. 3. 3-Pack Bracelets, $5. 4. Opaque Circles Bangle Set, $6. 5. Studded Hexagon Bangle Set, $11.

Grunge is making a comeback this season, but Florio suggests softening the look by pairing it with a few feminine pieces. "I love a good pair of military boots, but they have to be worn with more feminine items, like skinny jeans and a chunky cardigan, and maybe a Boho bag," she says. "A plaid flannel can be cute, but worn with ballet flats. It's about balancing the fit. Mix it up and have fun with it."

To buy: 1. Double-Faced Plaid Shirt, $35. 2. Chunky Cable Knit Cardigan, $70. 3. Military Riding Boots, $45. 4. Scrunchy Sueded Ballet Flats, $20. 5. Deena & Ozzy Acid Wash Backpack, $42.